Go Down for History: Nick Elmi’s Favorite Place

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Inside Shane Confectionery. Photograph by Matt Stanley

Why Old City?
About a year and a half ago, my wife and I realized we had never done the historical-Philadelphia things. For her birthday, we took the kids on a Duck tour, did the Liberty Bell, Franklin House, Franklin Fountain. It was one of the best days we ever had.

A lot of us have a preconceived notion of Old City as a tourist trap.
I did. It’s partially true. But there’s a reason that part of the city is so busy. There’s so much to do.

What are some favorite spots?
Washington Square. The piers. If you have kids, do the chocolate tour at Shane Confectionery.

First visit?
Probably 2000, at the club Lucy’s Hat Shop. It was pretty wild back then.

Published as “My Favorite Place: Sweet History” in the November 2018 issue of Philadelphia magazine.